The Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland has appointed Mike Bowyer as the new chairman for its Aberdeen branch.

Bowyer takes over the chairmanship from Ken McEwen, who has been chairman for the past four years.

Bowyer has worked in the oil and gas industry for more than 37 years and is a chartered director and chartered engineer.

He was formally a board member and vice co-chair of industry trade body Oil and Gas UK and was UK vice president of Halliburton.

He was also a member of the Step Change in Safety Leadership Team from 2004 to 2009 and chairman of the Well Services Contractors Association (WSCA) from 2005 to 2006.

After retiring from Halliburton in 2010, Bowyer set up his own business to focus on non-executive and consultancy assignments.

He is currently a director of OPITO Strategic and co-chair of Step Change’s workforce engagement steering group.

Commenting on his chairmanship appointment with IoD, Bowyer said: “When I first became a director, there was a great deal I didn’t know about how to be effective in the position.

“The IoD was a great place to go and gain the additional skills I needed. It’s a great organisation and I’m really proud to represent the Aberdeen branch.

“My predecessor, Ken McEwen, has done a fantastic job of ensuring that the IoD in Aberdeen is in touch with its members.

“I intend to build upon this and look to further improve the IoD offering in the region and in turn increase the membership.”

McEwen added: “The highlight of my time as chairman has been to see the IoD in Aberdeen gaining a higher profile. As a consequence, our events have been well supported, with a high calibre of speakers from government ministers through to business leaders.

“During this time we have kept delivering the message that Aberdeen City and Shire needs government backing and support if it is to maintain its role as the powerhouse of the UK economy and a global centre for the oil and gas industry.”